The impact of Li-bearing pegmatite mining on the dissolved geochemical signature of a mountain stream in the Pampean ranges, Central Argentina

MARQUÉS M; PASQUINI, A.I.; GARCÍA M.G.; CAMPODONICO, V.A.; COLOMBO F; GAIERO, D.M.; LECOMTE KL

Sustainable Water Resources Management

Springer

Año: 2023

2363-5037

The contamination of aquatic systems due to mining activities constitutes a greatconcern of the global mining industry, but only a few studies have specificallyaddressed the impact of Li-pegmatite mining on water quality. In order to provide dataon this type of systems, we assessed the impact of mining activities carried out in alithium-rich pegmatite of the Sierras Pampeanas, central Argentina, on the chemicalcomposition of stream waters draining the site. In addition, we evaluated theoccurrence of Li background anomalies in stream waters at basin scale. To achievethese goals we analyzed the dissolved major and trace element composition of watersamples collected upstream and downstream of the mine, characterized spatial trends,and identified elemental anomalies in comparison to the background chemicalcomposition of stream waters in nearby watersheds. The obtained results reveal thatmining activities in the study area do not represent a source of pollution to streamwaters draining the mine, while dissolved Li concentrations higher than thosemeasured in nearby basins, may be a useful mineralization indicator in the early stagesof this type of Li ores exploration, as it points to potentially fertile protoliths for thegeneration of Li-enriched magma.